Youth training centre needed

The Minister for Youth and Community Services, Dr Denis Napthine has released a report confirming the need for a new senior youth training centre.

The report, "Demand Projections and Capital Planning for Victorian Juvenile Justice Custodial Facilities", was produced by an external consultant for the Department of Human Services and investigated future demand and its implications for accommodation issues surrounding the juvenile justice system.

The report found that "interim accommodation options are not sustainable in the long term and planning for alternative accommodation is a priority." (p75)

Pressure is currently being put on the juvenile justice system as courts are increasingly choosing to sentence 17 to 20 year old male offenders to the existing senior youth training facilities, which are considered more suitable than adult prisons for many of the most vulnerable of this age group.

Based on trend data prior to September 1997, the report recommends that an additional capacity of 35 to 50 beds is needed. It notes that a completely accurate prediction of the exact capacity needed was not possible as demand would continue to be affected by factors such as changing offender profiles and sentencing practices. (pVI Executive Summary)

In addition, the report states that any new trends need to persist for 6 to 12 months before they can be accepted as long term trends and this should be monitored by the Department. (pVI Executive summary)

Dr Napthine said the report's predictions had now been overtaken by the facts.

"This report is based on data from 18 months ago and we have already experienced an increase which is now requiring us to house up to 50 of the state's youth offenders in the Turana centre, which is a substandard and outdated facility," he said.

The report also discusses options for building and siting a new facility, noting that Malmsbury had limited capacity and that there was pressure on space at Parkville. (pV111 Executive Summary)

Dr Napthine said he agreed with the reports recognition of the value of investing in services to prevent young people from entering the juvenile justice system.

"Victoria invests a great deal in preventative services and has the lowest incarceration rate in Australia as a result," he said.

Dr Napthine also rejected claims that it was inappropriate for the Government to investigate the possibility of non-government and private sector involvement in the new centre.

"If we are going to be a world leader in management of young offenders, it is important that we have an open mind and explore the very best options available," he said.

"Currently the State Government contracts a number of non-government agencies to run programs in the juvenile justice system, including Jesuit Social Services, Inside Out, Grassmere Youth Services and the YMCA , with successful results," he said.

A new senior youth training centre would need to meet high standards around such areas as ensuring the safety and security of the community and meeting the rehabilitation, education, training, health and welfare needs of detainees.

(News Release, Office of the Minister for Youth and Community Services, 26 February 1999)